As the pandemic continues to eliminate events across the world in 2020, the Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) is celebrating its “Sweet 16” year virtually. Co-founded by Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont, the festival is making its way to the new streaming platform Bitpix, which was also co-founded by the duo. 418 films from 36 countries will be streaming from November 9-15, 2020 and are in the running to win one of the top prizes that will qualify them for an Academy Award.

Sol, who moved to Augusta, GA with his family in 2017, co-founded the short film festival when he was living in Los Angeles working with domestic exhibitors as a Theatrical Sales Executive at Lionsgate. Serving as the festival Co-Director as well, Sol watches every film submitted, which has been upwards of 6,000 each year, and programs the 400 official selections into the multi-day festival. Working bi-coastally for the last three years, Sol co-leads HSFF from Augusta and pre-covid, traveled to L.A. several times a year as needed. 

While living in Augusta, GA, Sol has become engaged in the local film industry and currently serves as a proud member of the Film Augusta Advisory Panel, a ten member panel representing film professionals from a variety of film industry roles. The purpose of the Film Augusta Advisory Panel is to act as a supporting organization to Film Augusta providing insight and advice to grow the city’s film industry.

“I am proud to call Augusta home and I look forward to working with the Film Augusta team to bring film productions to town,” said Daniel Sol, HSFF co-founder and co-director.

“Daniel is a great asset to the Augusta community and a wonderful addition to the Film Augusta Advisory Panel,” said Jennifer Bowen, Film Augusta Film Liaison. “Daniel is so passionate about filmmaking and helps spread the word about Augusta to his many industry connections and contacts, which introduces Augusta as part of the consideration set for productions.”

In 2019 Film Augusta and Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr. attended HollyShorts and met with filmmakers and industry leaders telling them about Augusta as a growing film destination. The experience allowed Film Augusta to make key contacts and develop relationships with filmmakers who may consider Augusta in the future. 

In 2020, Film Augusta and Mayor Davis’ office will offer a trip to Augusta to the winners of the Comedy and Drama category winners.  This prize trip continues to spread the word about Augusta and will allow the winners of those categories a firsthand trip to the city to consider making their next film here. 

The HollyShorts Film Festival will be streaming on Bitpix from November 9-15, 2020. For tickets, schedule, and additional information visit: www.hollyshorts.com